On Monday, the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said that being an administrator is comparatively easier than “being a player” as there is no margin for error while batting. He was speaking during the Sportstar Aces Awards night here. Asked what was tougher between being a player and BCCI president, Ganguly had no hesitation while responding to the question.

Sourav Ganguly

Sourav explained, “It was tougher playing under pressure because it was one chance while batting, that was a lot difficult. Here (as BCCI President) if I make a mistake, I come back next and get it rectified, there if you nicked (Glenn) McGrath outside the off stump….”

From his time to now, Ganguly feels that the pace of the game has changed. Batting great Sunil Gavaskar, who successfully stood up to some of the best fast bowlers of all time, also felt administration is easier. He also said that fitness standards in today’s day and age have reached a different level.

Gavaskar explained, “Yes, I did (hold the office of BCCI president) for a couple of months in 2014, when the Supreme Court-appointed me president of the BCCI, IPL, I did it. It was easy. I think the fitness, they (players) are much fitter than we were playing, much more stronger and they can hit the ball a fair distance, (they are) physically fit and agile.”

Sunil Gavaskar

Ganguly received the best Team of the Year Award on behalf of his players, who could not turn up for the function as they will be locking horns with Australia in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Talking about the achievement, the BCCI president said, “Thank You for giving the Indian Test team (Team of the Tear award). I am sure all the other three teams have equally done well this year (2019). Congratulations to (batting coach) Vikram (Rathour) and the boys are not here as they have a game tomorrow. And all the best for the new year. It’s the start of a big year, the World Cups – men’s, women’s and U-19, and I hope it goes well.”